This week three more cruise ships will arrive in Rotterdam, reports the Port Authority. They are coming to repatriate crew of the Holland America Group. Due to the corona crisis, many cruises have been cancelled with crew having difficulty to return home due to travel restrictions.
In addition to the Holland America Line, the Group also includes the shipping companies Seabourn and Princess. Last week, 900 European cruise ship crew members arrived in Rotterdam with the Regal Princess on their way home.
The first ship to arrive is the Sky Princess on Monday morning 11 May and is expected to depart at 3 pm the next day. The ship has 100 crew members on board who have to be repatriated.
On 12 May, the Nieuw Statendam is expected to arrive at 5 pm. This ship will depart again the next day at 3 pm. This also involves the repatriation of approximately 100 crew members.
The Seabourn Ovation is expected on Wednesday 13th of May at 5 pm with about 150 crew members on board. This ship is expected to depart on 14 May at 5 pm.
All crew members on board the ships are on their way home. They will be picked up after the arrival of the ship and taken to a transit or final destination in organised order. This will be done in consultation with the authorities and in accordance with the strict hygiene measures currently in force.
‘The Port Authority considers it important that crew can repatriate and is happy to cooperate with this,’ says Harbour Master René de Vries.
Picture by Alexander P.F. Stijlaart.
